Love Arkansas?

9 Historic Villages In Arkansas Where Time Stands Still

Arkansans take pride in preserving our history. We have memorials, museums and even trails dedicated to the stories that influenced our state’s development. Some places in Arkansas stay frozen in time as little historic capsules that we can explore and immerse ourselves into these different stories. Let’s look at the historic villages preserving our state’s roots.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

The Pioneer Village in Searcy is a preservation project of White County's history. Volunteers in 19th-century clothing will guide you around the grounds and tell stories of living in Arkansas during this time. Tour the village's buildings including the original Garner Depot and impressive collection of artifacts. They also host holiday events and craft fairs so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.

For directions and event details, visit their Facebook page right here.

Although not an entire village, the Villines Homestead is a great stop if you're in the Ponca area. A short 1/2 mile trail from the Buffalo River low water bridge will take you to the property that had belonged to Jim "Beaver" Villines. The root cellar, outhouse, utility building and log cabin, all built between 1880 and 1940, have all been preserved.

One of the oldest towns in the state features a historic state park on the oldest road in Arkansas. Historic Washington has perfectly captured life in the area from from 1824 to 1900. The park has more than 30 restored structures that feature collections of guns, knives and antiques. Guides in period attire will conduct your tour and you can ride the surrey for a historic experience.

For directions and to see what all the park offers, visit their website right here.

Perhaps not a fully immersive village like some of the others we've visited today, the national memorial is definitely worth a stop. Before Little Rock became the capital of the Arkansas Territory, the title was designated to the Arkansas Post. Walk around the site of the original town and catch one of their historic weapons demonstrations.

The majority of what's left of this town has been buried by time but archaeological excavations have uncovered streets, foundations and artifacts that give clues to the frontier life in this area. At the park, you can see the two story dog-trot ghost structure, cemeteries and the state's first postal stop.

It's not very often you get the chance to tour a ghost town but Rush has a loop trail that does just that. See the remnants of the zinc mining town as you hike pass the town's buildings, abandoned mines and mining equipment.

This restored village will transport you to life in the Ozarks during the 19th-century. The site has nine main historic buildings including a community church, the 1903 Pyatt Depot, jailhouse, blacksmith, pioneer family houses and more. The village also has a locomotive engine that had been the yard engine for the Acme Brick Company in Perla.

This state park has been nationally recognized as the most intact Civil War battlefield. Tour the Ozark Village as part of the park's living history program. You can also explore the Morrow and Latta houses, barn and Hindman Hall museum.

For more detail including reenactment times, visit their website right here.

The colony was originally created in 1934 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. This was one of the first colonies to ease the suffering of poor rural farming families devastated by the Great Depression. Several historic buildings can be toured at the colony, including the boyhood home of Johnny Cash.

Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for two years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.